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IGCSE History Tuition
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What is IGCSE History? Why study it?
IGCSE History (0470) is an internationally recognized qualification designed for secondary school students. It provides students with the opportunity to explore world history, focusing on significant events, developments, and issues that shaped the 19th and 20th centuries. Through this course, students develop critical historical skills, including analysis, interpretation, and the ability to construct well-supported arguments.
Studying IGCSE History (0470) equips students with an understanding of the past and how it has shaped the present. It fosters a deeper understanding of social, economic, cultural, and political changes, helping students to become informed citizens with a global perspective
IGCSE History Syllabus: Topics + Overview
IGCSE History (0470) is a pivotal part of the IGCSE curriculum, offering insights into key historical events and their impact on the world. Whether you plan to pursue further studies in history or want to develop a broader understanding of global issues, this subject serves as a critical foundation. It’s ideal for students interested in humanities and social sciences, preparing them for advanced studies or careers in these fields.
Topic
Core + Extended
Only Extended
Revolutions of 1848 (Option A)
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Content Description
Understanding the causes, events, and outcomes of the 1848 revolutions across Europe.
(10-15% weight)
Unification of Italy and Germany (Option A)
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Study the processes and key figures involved in the unification of Italy and Germany.
(15-20% weight)
American Civil War (Option A)
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Content Description
Examining the causes and consequences of the American Civil War.
(10-15% weight)
Imperialism (Option A)
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Analyzing the motives and impacts of 19th-century imperialism.
(10-15% weight)
Origins of the First World War (Option A)
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Investigating the long-term and short-term causes of World War I.
(15-20% weight)
Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations (Option B)
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Understanding the outcomes of World War I and the role of the League of Nations.
(15-20% weight)
Hitler's Foreign Policy and the Outbreak of WWII (Option B)
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Analysis of the factors leading to WWII, focusing on Hitler's foreign policy.
(15-20% weight)
Cold War Origins and Conflicts
Recommended Learning 25 Hours
Content Description
Exploring the causes and key events of the Cold War. Detailed study of the Berlin Blockade, Cuban Missile Crisis, and Korean War.
(20-25% weight)
USSR Control Over Eastern Europe
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Content Description
Examining the USSR's influence in Eastern Europe from 1948–1989. Detailed analysis of Soviet interventions in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
(10-15% weight)
Depth Study A: The First World War, 1914-18
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Study of key battles, trench warfare, and the global impact of the war.
(15-20% weight)
Depth Study B: Germany, 1918-45
Recommended Learning 25 Hours
Content Description
Exploring the Weimar Republic, the rise of Hitler, and Nazi Germany.
(20-25% weight)
Depth Study C: Russia 1905-41
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Analysis of the fall of Tsarism, the Bolshevik Revolution, and Stalin's rule.
(15-20% weight)
Depth Study D: The United States, 1919-41
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Examination of the economic boom, social changes, and the impact of the Great Depression.
(15-20% weight)
Depth Study E: The Second World War in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, 1939-c.1945
Recommended Learning 25 Hours
Sub-topics
Study of the key events and strategies in WWII in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
(20-25% weight)
Revolutions of 1848 (Option A)
Topic
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Understanding the causes, events, and outcomes of the 1848 revolutions across Europe.
(10-15% weight)
Only Extended
Unification of Italy and Germany (Option A)
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Study the processes and key figures involved in the unification of Italy and Germany.
(15-20% weight)
Only Extended
American Civil War (Option A)
Topic
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Examining the causes and consequences of the American Civil War.
(10-15% weight)
Only Extended
Imperialism (Option A)
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Analyzing the motives and impacts of 19th-century imperialism.
(10-15% weight)
Only Extended
Origins of the First World War (Option A)
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Investigating the long-term and short-term causes of World War I.
(15-20% weight)
Only Extended
Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations (Option B)
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Understanding the outcomes of World War I and the role of the League of Nations.
(15-20% weight)
Only Extended
Hitler's Foreign Policy and the Outbreak of WWII (Option B)
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Analysis of the factors leading to WWII, focusing on Hitler's foreign policy.
(15-20% weight)
Only Extended
Cold War Origins and Conflicts
Topic
Recommended Learning 25 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Exploring the causes and key events of the Cold War. Detailed study of the Berlin Blockade, Cuban Missile Crisis, and Korean War.
(20-25% weight)
Only Extended
USSR Control Over Eastern Europe
Topic
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Examining the USSR's influence in Eastern Europe from 1948–1989. Detailed analysis of Soviet interventions in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
(10-15% weight)
Only Extended
Depth Study A: The First World War, 1914-18
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Study of key battles, trench warfare, and the global impact of the war.
(15-20% weight)
Only Extended
Depth Study B: Germany, 1918-45
Topic
Recommended Learning 25 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Exploring the Weimar Republic, the rise of Hitler, and Nazi Germany.
(20-25% weight)
Only Extended
Depth Study C: Russia 1905-41
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Analysis of the fall of Tsarism, the Bolshevik Revolution, and Stalin's rule.
(15-20% weight)
Only Extended
Depth Study D: The United States, 1919-41
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Examination of the economic boom, social changes, and the impact of the Great Depression.
(15-20% weight)
Only Extended
Depth Study E: The Second World War in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, 1939-c.1945
Topic
Recommended Learning 25 Hours
Core + Extended
Sub-topics
Study of the key events and strategies in WWII in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
(20-25% weight)
Only Extended
Download full sub-topic list for the IGCSE History Tuition Core and Extended.
Download SyllabusIGCSE History Exams and Past Papers: Overview
The assessment of IGCSE History is divided into three main objectives: knowledge and understanding of historical content, construction of historical explanations, and interpretation and evaluation of sources. Each paper is weighted differently based on these objectives:
Paper 1
All students
40% of final grade
Example Question
Imperialism
“European imperialism impacted the local populations in different ways. Describe the work of missionaries in nineteenth-century Africa. Why was the Boxer Rising important for China? Which was more beneficial for the local population, indirect rule in Nigeria or assimilation in Senegal? Explain your answer.”
Paper 2
All students
30% of final grade
Example Question
Italian Unification
“Study Source C. This source was not drawn until 1910. Does this mean it cannot provide any useful evidence about Italian unification? Explain your answer using details of the source and your knowledge.”
Component 3
All students take either Component 3 or Paper 4
30% of final grade
Example Question
Algebra
(a) A football team has w wins and d draw. The team scores 3 points for each win and 1 point for each draw. Write an expression, in terms of w and d, for the total number of points scored by the team. (b) Athletic, Rovers and United are three football teams. Athletic have a point score of x. Rovers have 12 points more than Athletics point score. United have 3 points fewer than twice Athletics point score. The total point score of all three teams is 121. Use this information to write down an equation in terms of x. Solve your equation to work out the pont score of each team. (c) Simplify 4a - 3b + 5a + 6b 6(2x+1) - 5(x-2) Solve the simultaneous equations. You must show all your working. 3x + 5y = 11 2x - 3y = 20
Paper 4
For Extended Students Only
35% of final grade for Extended students
Example Question
Depth Study B: Germany
“Assess the significance of Kristallnacht.”
Download all the free past papers
Download Free Test PaperIGCSE Math History Overview - Core and Extended
The assessment of IGCSE History is divided into three main objectives: knowledge and understanding of historical content, construction of historical explanations, and interpretation and evaluation of sources. Each paper is weighted differently based on these objectives:
Assessment Objective
Paper (Core1)
Paper 2 (Extended)
Paper 3 (Core)
Paper 4 (Extended)
AO1 Knowledge and Understanding of Historical Content
33%
20%
38%
38%
AO2 Construction of Historical
67%
0%
62%
62%
AO3 Interpretaiton and Evaluation of Sources
0%
80%
0%
0%
Is IGCSE History Difficult?
IGCSE History (0470) can be challenging due to its focus on understanding complex historical events, analyzing different perspectives, and constructing well-argued responses. The subject requires strong reading comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to recall detailed historical facts. However, with consistent study, effective use of resources, and practice in writing structured essays, students can excel. The key is to engage with the material actively and develop a deep understanding of the historical contexts and issues covered in the syllabus
2023 Cumulative Grades

Ascend Now Examiner Tips
Understand the Context

Scott
IGCSE Tutor
Practice Source Analysis
Dean
Plan Your Essays
Enoch
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